FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I am on the waiting list. When will I hear if I have a place?

With all places being taken, only if someone drops out will we be able to offer a place from the waiting list. Also if all places, reserved for our partner charity and our sponsor, are not taken we can then release more places. Typically this occurs from mid March. Individuals at the top of the waiting list will be offered places by email. So please keep watching your in box.

I am ill / injured can I change routes or give my place to a friend?

Donating your place to another rider is at the discretion of the organisers and is dependent on your circumstances. Please contact us for clarification. Sorry but you cannot swap places just because you do not feel like riding in the event anymore.

You may request a change of route by email up to 2 weeks before the event. Late route changes will also be accepted on the day.

Is your event on closed roads?

No, our events are NOT on closed roads. Therefore abiding by the highway code and all appropriate road regulations is required at all times.

Will I receive a start time?

No. Registration is open from 08:00 to 09:30 with riders being allowed to start at any time between 08:30 and 10:00. This is normal for this type of Sportive. It allows you to just turn up, register and get on your way, hopefully avoiding big delays if we went for a mass start. There will however be a restriction on the number of riders setting off together. This is to avoid congestion on the open roads for the first part of the route.

Can anyone tell me what is the latest finishing time?

All riders have until 17:00 to complete their route. We advise anyone riding the longer Red or Black routes to try and get an early start if they are concerned about their speed. At the finish, hot food will only be available until 16:00. After that only a limited supply of sandwiches and cold drinks will be available.

The Online Entry System

Entry will be on line only and will be via a secure server to ensure the security of your payment. No payment information will be held on the Sportive Kinross system.

Electronic Timing

The event will be timed electronically by Finish Line Timing. This requires that all riders fit a supplied timing chip to their helmets. This logs the start and finish times to give you an accurate record of the time taken to complete the route. The chips are of the disposable type and there is no need to return the chip at the finish.

Course Markings

The routes will be clearly marked at junctions and additional signage will be provided where the routes split. Please ensure that you carry a route card and are familiar with your chosen route. Signs can get removed or adjusted. Marshals will be positioned at potentially hazardous junctions and at various points on the route to assist your safe and easy passage. Please ensure that you obey all road signs and other instructions and not just our event route markings. This event takes place on public roads and is subject to the Highway Code at all times.

Feed Stations

Two feed stations will be provided. The first at Newburgh will service all three events whereas the second station at Dunning will be positioned at the brief merging point of the Red and Black routes. The feed stations will carry a range of savories, cakes, flapjacks, bananas etc. and a supply of water.

Mishaps During The Ride

A broom wagon service will operate on the Common, Red and Black routes. All riders should be self sufficient and be capable of dealing with minor mechanical and medical emergencies. A first aid service will be based at our event HQ. in Kinross and in the event of an emergency on route they may be able to reach you. Also remember that our routes traverse some hilly and remote terrain and that mobile phone reception or immediate assistance should not be relied on in the event of problems.

How Hard Are The Rides?

The Blue route is designed for all sports cyclists and newcomers to cyclo sportive events. It is suitable for those who cycle occasionally, and may also suit riders who do not usually cycle, but would like to take part in a one off event, perhaps to raise money for our charity partner CHAS. It still contains two significant climbs and a basic level of fitness is required.

The Red route is ideal for experienced club cyclists who are less keen on hilly sportives, and would welcome the chance to test their early season fitness on a new course with lots of other club cyclists. The two featured climbs will not prove too difficult for the club cyclist and the long flat section between Falkland and Auchterarder should allow fast groups to form. An ideal test of your early season fitness.

The Black Route should only be attempted by experienced cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness. The number and severity of the climbs should not be under estimated and with the event being run in mid April this makes for a challenging event.

Do I have to raise money for charity to enter this event?

The quick answer is no, you don't have to raise money for the charity. Whilst we are not linked to a major charity our arrangement is £5.00 of your entry fee will be paid to our partner charity CHAS. If you wish to raise sponsorship for CHAS they will be delighted for you do so. Or if you wish to raise sponsorship for a charity of choice again we are delighted if you wish to do so but whether you do or not has no bearing on your event entry.

Refunds - What if cannot ride on the day?

We are sorry but we are operating a no refunds policy.

In the event of an injury or illness you may be able to give your place to another rider. Please contact us by email for verification.

I have entered the Black route but now feel I am unable to ride that distance. Can I change the route?

If you feel you are unable to complete in your preferred route you will be able to change routes right up until the start of the event. But please let us know via the web site contact page by the end of March. Last minute changes must be notified on the day. Oh and changing routes can also mean upgrading to a harder route if you feel your winter training has gone particularly well.

What type of bike do I need to enter this event?

The event is intended for sports cyclists and therefore we would recommend entrants use a dedicated road bike athough hybrids, mountain bikes, trikes, recumbents, tandems etc. are allowed. The use of triathlon handlebars or other bar extensions are not permitted in our events for safety reasons.

I entered the Sportive quite a while ago now. I just wanted to know if we will hear anything prior to the event? To get race number etc.

In the weeks leading up to the event all competitors will be receiving an email with links to download the final instructions pack and also to download, printout, sign and bring along on the day a personalised disclaimer form. This will contain your ride number. Numbers to attach to your bike and timing chips will be handed out on the day. The final instructions pack will contain up to date information on the routes, how to get to the start, where to park and lots of information about the event and afterwards.

Please make sure your email system does not block or put mails from Sportive Kinross into your SPAM folder.

I have not been able to get a place on this years event. How can I volunteer to help out on the day?

We are looking for people to help out with marshalling, starting duties etc. Experienced cyclists would be most welcome to help out with the event marshalling. If you wish to help please get in touch through the Contact page on this site. As a thank you we will give all marshal volunteers a free place in next years event.

My ride time does not appear in the results

If you change the route you originally registered for, please make sure the registration team are made aware of this when you collect your number and chip.

Occasionally the stick on timing chip you have been given is not detected by the timing equipment. This may be due to incorrect placement on your helmet or very occasionally due to a faulty chip. Sportive Kinross and our event timing partners, Finishline, cannot be held responsible for failure to record an individuals time.We will however make every endeavour to try to give all entrants valid times.